Today’s poem is by John Cage, who certainly would have appreciated the Solstice event at Chapel of the Chimes, and who has captured the essence of the creative process in this little poem:
When you start working
Everybody is in your studio
The Past,
Your friends,
Enemies,
The Art World,
And above all, your own ideas—
All are there.
But as you continue,
They start leaving,
One by one,
And you are left completely alone.
Then, if you are lucky, even you leave.
John Cage
Funny, you’d think a musician would try to make his poem musical. Cheers Meryl.
Don’t you think the sense is music enough, John?
I needed this today. I think it’s the crowbar I will use to get unstuck on one project and the gasoline I will use to keep the momentum on another. Thanks, Meryl.
Well put, you budding poet with crowbar and fuel.
A friend sent me your web link this morning for which I’m very grateful. Cage has always been an example of a stellar person in my experience. I had the good fortune to photograph him, once in Pasadena in the 70’s and then again at Crown Point Press in (I think) the 90’s. I’m happy to share those few images here if there’s interest.
ML
I would love to see them, Malcolm!
Meryl,
Does this to attach them here?
ML
Malcolm–I think you have to link to them, I don’t see a way to attach them to a comment. Or if you email them to me, I will post. Thanks!